KDLINKS A300 .smi problem

[davis44]

Hello, I wasn't able to find support for my media player problem elsewhere and fortunately through research I found out my unit is a rebranded HiMedia Q10, which is why i'm here. I'm assuming that since the parts and firmware are identical besides the brand, someone here will be able to help or answer my question.

Does the HiMedia Q10/a300 support korean .smi subtitles? I can't get any MKV files with .smi files to display correctly in the default video player. They appear in squares or random lettering. I tried changing the Subtitle encoding in the settings to Korean and it still didn't fix anything.  The only way I got it work was using a 3rd party app like MXPLAYER from the google player store to get it to work correctly. Does the native hardware not have multiple language support for subtitles?

[futeko.com]

Yes the KDLINKS A300 is a re-badged HiMedia Q10 4K3D. They are identical.

Korean subtitles should be supported. Whilst a file is playing press the menu button, then Subtitle Options - Subtitle Encode - Korean (CP949).

Do you have that option on the A300 and does it still not work?

[davis44]

hello, yes i have that exact option. I tested it with multiple other movie files, and the smi files still dont display correctly. I tried switching it to korean, chinese, japanese, auto, etc.

[hdmkv]

Why are people buying this box instead of a Q5 or Q10 for le$$ money? Like $40 or more difference.

[davis44]

is the firmware for the q10 compatible with the a300? maybe a firmware update will fix it?

[futeko.com]

I've not tested Korean subtitles myself and it's likely that none of our customers have either, but I'm surprised that they don't display correctly. The Q5/Q10 are usually very good for wide subtitle language support. If you send me a sample of the subtitles that don't work I'll have a look at them / pass it onto HiMedia. I think they sell to Korea so if it doesn't work it's quite important!

As to why people are buying the KDLINKS box, I guess it's more easily available in the US compared to the Q10.

I don't know if Q10 firmware is compatible with A300. If you have an A300 there are two ways to find out, ask the KDLINKS people or give it a try. The second option is only for those who like danger, it may brick your box.

[futeko.com]

Thanks for the sample files. I can confirm that Koeran .smi subtitles do not display correctly on the Q10. White boxes as you describe.

I'll mention it to Himedia but it's not #1 priority for my customers. I suggest that you contact KDLINKS and see what they can do about getting it fixed.

[davis44]

Does KDLINK develop their own firmware for the a300 or do they modify the ones made from himedia?

I hope this is something that can be fixed in the future. At point right now contemplating if I should return the unit or keep it and wait it out for a possible firmware fix.

[futeko.com]

I've not seen the kdlinks firmware but I presume it is based on himedia's and is very similar. That's how it usually works with ODM boxes.